South-west from Buttermere to Scale Bridge then north-west alongside the banks of Crummock Water to reach Scale Beck. South through the valley via Scale Force before heading south-east up to Lingcomb Edge and the summit of Red Pike. Continuing south-east to High Stile and High Crag then north down to the eastern extent of Buttermere. Finally back to the starting point through Burtness Wood on the southern side of the lake. A 9-mile walk in the Lake District.
The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the Lake District North-Western Area, reference OS Explorer OL4, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.
RECOMMENDED MAP
Standard Ordnance Survey map of the Lake District North-Western Area, reference OS Explorer OL4, scale 1:25,000.
Buy now on Amazon
View all Ordnance Survey maps
RECOMMENDED MAP
Weatherproof Active Ordnance Survey map of the Lake District North-Western Area, reference OS Explorer OL4, scale 1:25,000.
Buy now on Amazon
View all Ordnance Survey maps
The view across Crummock Water to Grasmoor from Scale Force.
Scale Force.
The steep-sided valley created by Scale Beck between Gale Fell and Blea Crag.
Looking back towards Crummock Water as we start the climb up to Lingcomb Edge.
The view down to Buttermere (the village) from Lingcomb Edge.
Amazing views from Lingcomb Edge: Crummock Water backed by Rannerdale Knotts, Grasmoor and Whiteless Pike to name but a few.
The start of the climb to the top of Red Pike from Lingcomb Edge.
The sun lights up Rannerdale Knotts and a rainbow appears above Buttermere (the village).
Ennerdale Water as seen from Red Pike.
Magical scenes from Red Pike.
Looking down upon Bleaberry Tarn and Buttermere from the Red Pike summit, height 755 metres (2477 feet).
Chapel Crags between Red Pike and High Stile, with Bleaberry Tarn visible below.
Spectacular vistas from above Chapel Crags.
The view west through the Ennerdale valley as we approach High Stile.
Bleaberry Tarn, Crummock Water and, in the sunshine, many of the Lake District’s north-western fells including Rannerdale Knotts, Grasmoor, Whiteless Pike, Eel Crag, Sail, Causey Pike and Ard Crags.
The summit of High Stile, height 807 metres (2648 feet), with the Scafell Pike range of mountains on the horizon.
More magnificent panoramas from the top of High Stile including the distant Loweswater, a smaller lake to the north-west of Crummock Water.
Grey Crag on the eastern face of High Stile.
The summit of High Crag, height 744 metres (2441 feet).
Looking south-east towards Hay Stacks during the descent of High Crag.
